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Takai also earns endorsements from three sitting Congressional reps

HONOLULU (July 18, 2014) – State Rep. Mark Takai has now earned endorsements from 22 organizations representing labor, education, civil rights and veterans issues – more than all other candidates combined vying for election to Hawaii’s first congressional seat.

Takai’s surging campaign most recently drew nods from the Hawaii Teamsters-Local 996, the National Association of Postal Supervisors, the Postal Supervisors-Hawaii Branch Local 214, and the Hawaii State Council of Machinists-Local 1979 and Local 1998.

Takai also received the endorsements from U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA). The two join U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in backing Takai. He is the lone candidate in the race for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District to draw support from a sitting congressional representative, and in Takai’s case, he has the support of three.

“I am humbled and grateful that so many organizations and individuals whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with these past 20 years have lent me their support as I pursue this new opportunity to serve,” said Takai. “It’s often been said that you are known by the company you keep. I could not be more proud to be in the company of the organizations and leaders who are supporting my candidacy.”

The affirmations from so many Hawaii organizations not only underscores the breadth of Takai’s support, but may provide a significant boost at the polls. According to a recent New York Times/Sienna College survey, six in 10 Democratic voters said endorsements were important in helping them decide who to vote for.

Organizations that endorse candidates are also usually motivated to make sure their members and supporters vote, and these groups collectively represent tens of thousands of individuals throughout Hawaii.

(The complete list of Takai’s endorsements is printed below.)

The endorsements are the latest indication of a continued surge in support for Takai. In campaign filings released this week, he led the field of seven challengers vying for the Democratic nomination in CD-1 with $211,000 raised in the most recent quarter — $10,000 more than Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, whose support seems to be flagging as the primary election draws near. Her quarterly fundraising declined by $50,000 from the previous quarter, while Takai’s level of support was largely consistent with the $227,000 he reported in April.

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Mark Takai is a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of Defense or Department of the Army.